Ginger Veggie Stir-Fry

This is a great recipe that can be tweaked with whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand. It has a mild ginger flavor that can be enhanced according to taste, and is filling yet light on the tummy! Tofu may be added. Serve over a bed of steamed jasmine rice.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger root, divided
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided
• 1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1/2 cup snow peas
• 3/4 cup julienned carrots
• 1/2 cup halved green beans
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 1/2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 tablespoon salt

Directions

1. In a large bowl, blend cornstarch, garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil until cornstarch is dissolved. Mix in broccoli, snow peas, carrots, and green beans, tossing to lightly coat.
2. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Cook vegetables in oil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Stir in soy sauce and water. Mix in onion, salt, and remaining 1 teaspoon ginger. Cook until vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Chicken, Asparagus, and Mushroom Skillet

Chicken, asparagus, and mushrooms are sauteed in a garlic and olive oil base. You can add more mushrooms if desired. Serve with rice or pasta.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons white cooking wine
• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, sliced
• 1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds
• 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

Directions

1. Melt the butter with the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high; stir the parsley, basil, oregano, garlic, salt, lemon juice, and wine into the butter mixture. Add the chicken; cook and stir until the chicken is browned, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink inside, about 10 more minutes.
2. Add the asparagus; cook and stir until the asparagus is bright green and just starting to become tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and cook an additional 3 minutes to let the mushrooms release their juice. Serve hot.

Egg and Sausage Casserole

Maybe you're getting up early to enjoy an Easter sunrise service at your church, or perhaps you have company over for the weekend.  This casserole is great way to make a filling breakfast that is sure to please.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork sausage
• 1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 8 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions

1. Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Line the bottom of the prepared baking dish with crescent roll dough, and sprinkle with crumbled sausage. In a large bowl, mix beaten eggs, mozzarella, and Cheddar. Season the mixture with oregano, and pour over the sausage and crescent rolls.
4. Bake 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Spicy Vegan Potato Curry

Ingredients

• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 4 teaspoons curry powder
• 4 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger root, peeled and minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can peas, drained
• 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk

Directions

1. Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until just tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and allow to steam dry for a minute or two.
2. Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with cumin, cayenne pepper, curry powder, garam masala, ginger, and salt; cook for 2 minutes more. Add the tomatoes, garbanzo beans, peas, and potatoes. Pour in the coconut milk, and bring to a simmer. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Tortellini Bacon Broccoli Salad

Ingredients

• 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated three-cheese tortellini
• 1 pound bacon
• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 cup bottled coleslaw dressing

Directions

1. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions, drain, rinse with cold water, and refrigerate until cool, about 30 minutes.
2. Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate. Chop the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces while still a little warm.
3. Place the tortellini, bacon, broccoli, grape tomatoes, and green onions into a salad bowl. Pour the dressing over the ingredients, and toss lightly to coat. Chill in refrigerator before serving.

Spicy Rapid Roast Chicken

This is the kind of recipe that you just throw together. No need to truss or fuss. Pop it into a very hot oven and it is ready in a hurry.

Ingredients

• 1 (3 pound) whole chicken

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

2. Rinse chicken thoroughly inside and out under cold running water and remove all fat. Pat dry with paper towels.

3. Put chicken into a small baking pan. Rub with olive oil. Mix the salt, pepper, oregano, basil, paprika and cayenne pepper together and sprinkle over chicken.

4. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Lower the oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) and continue roasting to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 40 minutes more. Let cool 10 to 15 minutes and serve.